Big Games, as per usual

One of the things that attracts me to football over most North American sports is that hardly a week goes by without top rate games being played somewhere in Europe (or the world, for that matter). Many sports on this continent have top calibre games sporadically, but certainly not on the consistent basis they are in football. It could have something to do with 82 or 162 game seasons, but I digress...

Saturday

Arsenal v. Tottenham (7:45 a.m. ET)

Usual derby fare should be on display. Yet a predictable result I don't expect. One team, Arsenal, has looked vulnerable of late and the other, Spurs, have played consistently better since Juande Ramos arrived from Spain.

Arsenal have not lost a North London derby for ages, winning 5 of the last 10 matches between the sides and drawing 5. But based on the football Ramos has Spurs playing right now, I don't see an Arsenal blowout. It will be tightly contested, like the match against Chelsea last weekend, and a 1 - 1 draw or a 1 goal Arsenal win will be the likely result.

Robin Van Persie, who put in a cameo appearance at the end of last Sunday's match, should be available again. He looked menacing in the few minutes he did play against Chelsea, look for more of the same tomorrow.

Bolton Wanderers v. Birmingham City (10 a.m. ET)

No, I'm not crazy. This match will be worth a watch. Since the arrivals of Gary Megson and Alex McLeish, both sides have seen their form improve. Bolton have qualified for the last 32 of the UEFA Cup (they'll face Athletico Madrid in the next round) while Birmingham have picked up points in 2 of McLeish's 3 games in charge and pushed Newcastle effectively in a 2 - 1 loss on the road. Each manager will understand the importance of these bottom-half clashes, so look for a rousing match of English football on display at the Reebok. A 2 - 2 draw, or even more goals could be in store.

Liverpool v. Portsmouth (10 a.m. ET)

After running out the reserves at Stamford Bridge mid-week, Liverpool will be in tough against Portsmouth at home. Pompey are much better on the road (6-1-2) than they are at Fratton Park (2-5-1), while Liverpool's home form is a disappointing 3-4-1 in the league this season.

The pressure is on for Liverpool, as it has been for most of the season. Another loss at home will bring calls for Rafa Benitez head (again), while a draw will be little more consolation. Xabi Alonso should start, allowing Steven Gerrard more opportunity to roam forward. He's played much too deep lately; when Gerrard plays deep, Liverpool play poorly.

Unlike Liverpool's September trip to Portsmouth which ended 0 - 0, Fernando Torres should start in this game. That should be good for at least a goal, one would think.

Peter Crouch will be looking on, wondering why he tried to break both of John Obi Mikel's legs on Wednesday. Not smart, Peter, not smart.

Sunday

Manchester United v. Everton (7 a.m. ET)

The titleholders are playing well right now, but I think no team is playing better than Everton in the Premier League right now. Yakubu can't stop scoring right now, Cahill is back to his best after coming back from injury and Arteta still can't get a cap with Spain despite his outstanding play. If any team outside Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool were to take 3 points from Manchester United this season, I suspect Everton might be up to the task this weekend.

Regardless, this should be a great match, likely producing more entertainment than the Liverpool/Man United match last Sunday.

Finally...

Barcelona v. Real Madrid (1 p.m. ET)

The pride of Catalonia versus the Evil Empire, some would say. This game should be really, really good, since the top Spanish sides don't seem to go into these games looking to nullify one another. 3 - 2 or 2 - 1 at least would be a reasonable result. For whom, you ask? At home, for a team that needs no better reasons to get up for a game, I think Barcelona will take the points. Madrid is playing very well right now, but Barca will want the first chance at revenge for losing out last season. They're also four points behind Madrid this year and Spanish title races are usually close. This will be good fun...